Vintage Alphabet 'A'

A is for APRON.

  Everybody remembers Mom's or Grandma's aprons. Some were utilitarian cotton half aprons or smocks in pretty pronts or solid colors. Some were used only for special occasions in holiday motifs and fabrics of organza or satin. The use of the apron didn't just start in the 40's though. Aprons have been used since the 12 century. They were very utilitarian, used by tradesman and domestic help. By the late 17th -18th century the apron became more femanine and frilly. Fashioned more for the lady and domestic help of the house. There was an old wives tale from this time period that goes....'your beau is thinking of you if your apron becomes untied and drops to the floor.' Pretty risque for the prim and proper Quaker and  beginning of the Victorian era, but  by the 19th century aprons became once again plain and utilitarian. It wasn't until the 1930's that aprons saw a resurgence with bright sashes and beautiful prints. Feed , flour, seed, and sugar sacks were all created in a variety patterns and colors with the homemaker in mind. They knew they would be used to create the whimsicle, colorful aprons we prize today.  It was also during the 30's that crocheted aprons came into fashion for special occasions. During the 40's the half apron gained popularity and the use of hankies embellished those stylish creations. In the 50's plastic, or oilcloth, arpons joined the homemakers apron collection. Cross-stitch patterns were in such vogue embroidery transfers were readily available  During the late 50's to early 1960 how could we  forget June Cleaver with her fashionable kitchen ensemble. There was even one with matching dish towel and oven mitt. It was 1960 that half aprons were accented by hand towels and curtain material. By the late 60's and early 70's smock aprons were very popular, but with the advent of women' lib in the 70's the lowly apron represented women's servititude. Those apron strings. those ties that bind, were cut.  Fast forward 30 years and many stained frocks later, the apron has found a new popularity.  Today the apron has seen a quick rise in popularity once again, but not only do we prize our vintage finds, but also new designs that are vintage inspired. We wear them proudly not only in the kitchen, but in the garden, in classrooms, at sales counters, and even as fashion accents. There is a  new 'apronation'(C) on the horizon. Whether new or vintage the apron is not only seen as utilitarian, but quite fashionable.

Here are a few examples of  vintage aprons.

This is the beginning of a crocheted apron from the 30's I'll be finishing.

 

I hand- embroidered and embellished this 1950's beauuty.

This 1940's Souvinir Apron was all the rage.

 I recreated this 1930-40 flour sack apron into an apron for a new Mom with the hand-embroidered Bunny, which was a vintage transfer from my collection.......hhmmmm do I have a 'T' item for next Octobers Vintage Alphabet Post?.....

This wonderful 1930's apron was a real  find. It still has it's flocking and glitter. I added the vintage buttons.

The apron below is a perfect example of a 1960's Dish Towel Apron. Of course I hand-embroidered the faded flowers to make them pop again.

These next two pics are piles of aprons waiting to be recreated. As you can see my hoop is around one of the hankies that accents this 1940's apron

Hand-appliques created using roses cut from a  tablecloth accent this 1940's apron

I love this little girls apron I found. Gingham is one of my favorite materials.

And, this black 1950's apron was a real find that I finished.

These are just area few of my aprons. You can find these and others aprons on  my website and at Etsy.

Now for some more fun. Lets see your vintage 'A' finds. Just do a post on your blog with pics of your finds..it can be as long or short as you want....and click on Mister Linky and you'll be linked to my site and others can visit! It's as easy as that.